Alarming report reveals misallocation of funds in the battle against air pollution.
Clean Air Scheme: Road Dust Mitigation vs. PM2.5 Menace
A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has raised red flags about the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), indicating a disproportionate focus on mitigating road dust, a primary contributor to PM10 pollution, at the expense of tackling the more insidious PM2.5 pollutant.
Sunita Narain, Director of CSE, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to worry about combustion sources rather than dust. Dust is not the main pollutant. When it gets coated with other pollutants, it becomes bad for your body.” This alarming revelation calls for a paradigm shift in the allocation of resources to effectively combat air pollution.
NCAP Fund Utilization: A Misplaced Priority?
The CSE report meticulously scrutinized the fund utilization under the NCAP, revealing a startling imbalance. A staggering 64% of the total funds were directed towards road dust mitigation measures such as road paving, widening, pothole repairs, water sprinkling, and the procurement of mechanised sweepers. In stark contrast, a mere 12.63% and 14.51% were allocated to address combustion sources like vehicles and biomass burning, respectively. Industrial pollution control received a paltry 0.61%.
National Green Tribunal’s Scrutiny and the Need for Change
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is also actively investigating the NCAP’s expenditure across 53 cities in a suo moto case. The NCAP, launched in 2019 with the ambitious goal of improving air quality in 131 non-attainment cities, mandates a 40% reduction in pollution levels by 2025-26, using 2019-20 as the baseline year.
While public records reveal that a substantial amount of funds, approximately Rs. 10,566.47 crore, has been disbursed to these cities between 2019-20 and 2023-24, the utilization rate remains alarmingly low, particularly in cities with populations exceeding one million.
Summary
The CSE report has sounded the alarm on the misallocation of funds within the National Clean Air Programme, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize measures targeting the more harmful PM2.5 pollution. The current overemphasis on road dust mitigation, while important, diverts crucial resources from addressing the root causes of air pollution, such as vehicular and industrial emissions. This calls for a reassessment of strategies and a reallocation of funds to ensure a more effective and comprehensive approach to improving air quality.
Key Takeaways
| Key Learning Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Misdirected Clean Air Funds | NCAP funds are disproportionately allocated to road dust mitigation, neglecting PM2.5 pollution. |
| PM2.5: The Real Threat | PM2.5 poses a greater health risk than PM10 and requires more focused attention. |
| NGT Scrutiny | The National Green Tribunal is investigating NCAP expenditure across 53 cities. |
| Need for Strategic Reassessment | A reevaluation of strategies and reallocation of funds is crucial for effective air quality improvement. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
